Synthesis of γ-(Arylamino)butyric Acid Derivatives via Ring-Opening Addition of Arylamines to Cyclopropane-1,1-Dicarboxylates

A rapid and efficient catalytic approach has been proposed for the synthesis of dimethyl 2-[2-(aryl-amino)but-3-en-1-yl]- and 2-[2-(arylamino)-2-phenylethyl]malonates in good yields (49-95%) by ring-opening reaction of dimethyl 2-vinyl- and 2-phenylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates with arylamines in the presence of Yb(III) catalyst under microwave irradiation. The synthesized compounds are convenient precursors to gamma-(aryl-amino)butyric acid derivatives.